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L'Église apostolique, laquelle ?
Les diverses formes de gouvernement ecclésiastique qui existent actuellement dans le monde chrétien peuvent être classées dans l’une ou l’autre de ces trois catégories : épiscopale , indépendante ou presbytérienne . Laquelle de ces trois formes de gouvernement d’Église largement répandues devrions-nous choisir et soutenir ? Cette question revêt une grande importance. Cette petite étude aborde six principes bibliques qui nous révèlent le modèle de gouvernement ecclésiastique présenté dans les saintes Écritures : L’auteur compare ensuite ces principes aux systèmes de gouvernement de l’Église utilisés aujourd’hui pour en conclure que le gouvernement de l’Église presbytérienne est le seul à incarner les six principes, et celui qui se rapproche le plus du modèle apostolique.
Auteur
Thomas Witherow (1824-1890) était un ministre presbytérien irlandais et un historien. Il a fait ses études au Belfast College de 1839 à 1843, puis a étudié sous la direction du Dr Chalmers à Édimbourg. Il est devenu pasteur à Maghera (Irlande) en 1845, puis professeur d’histoire de l’Église au Magee College, à Londonderry, en 1865.
Table des matières
Préface
Préface à la cinquième édition
Chapitre 1 : Énoncé de la question Chapitre 2 : Les principes apostoliques Chapitre 3 : Application du test Chapitre 4 : Leçons pratiques
Annexe : Confession de foi de Westminster, chapitre 31
Auteur
Thomas Witherow (1824-1890) était un ministre presbytérien irlandais et un historien. Il a fait ses études au Belfast College de 1839 à 1843, puis a étudié sous la direction du Dr Chalmers à Édimbourg. Il est devenu pasteur à Maghera (Irlande) en 1845, puis professeur d’histoire de l’Église au Magee College, à Londonderry, en 1865.
Table des matières
Préface
Préface à la cinquième édition
Chapitre 1 : Énoncé de la question Chapitre 2 : Les principes apostoliques Chapitre 3 : Application du test Chapitre 4 : Leçons pratiques
Annexe : Confession de foi de Westminster, chapitre 31
108 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
15 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 26, 2018
A compact study on church government. Witherow draws six principles from Scripture:
1. The office-bearers of the church are elected.
2. The office of bishop and elder is identical.
3. There is to be a plurality of elders in each church.
4. Ordination is an act of a presbytery, a plurality of elders.
5. There is a possibility of appeal to an assembly of elders from beyond the local congregation; and they exercise the power of government in their associate capacity.
6. The only head of the church is the Lord Jesus Christ.
He then compares these principles to systems of church government used today and concludes that Presbyterian church government is the only one to embody all six principles and comes nearest in its government to the apostolic model.
1. The office-bearers of the church are elected.
2. The office of bishop and elder is identical.
3. There is to be a plurality of elders in each church.
4. Ordination is an act of a presbytery, a plurality of elders.
5. There is a possibility of appeal to an assembly of elders from beyond the local congregation; and they exercise the power of government in their associate capacity.
6. The only head of the church is the Lord Jesus Christ.
He then compares these principles to systems of church government used today and concludes that Presbyterian church government is the only one to embody all six principles and comes nearest in its government to the apostolic model.
November 19, 2021
Helpful little exposition of the practice of the early church (Apostolic Church) and brief comparison to modern denominational arrangements (episcopal/Roman Catholic, Independent, and Presbyterian). The 19th-century style prove a bit demanding for some readers.
December 6, 2024
Great, easy read. Definitely has a strong presupposition that the Presbyterian government is the best and most Biblical way of governing the Church.
August 8, 2025
A great short read defending presbyterian polity as Biblical and apostolic.
August 23, 2019
Ecclesiology is an underrated theological topic. I am certain that this topic deserves a more thorough examination. The brevity of this volume, however, makes it even more useful for the modern reader and busy-pastor who is not a Presbyterian by conviction.
The author sets forth 6 apostolic principles of church government, and then apply them to the main church’s configurations that one may encounter.
Tolle Lege
The author sets forth 6 apostolic principles of church government, and then apply them to the main church’s configurations that one may encounter.
Tolle Lege
February 6, 2015
This is a great book. Whitefield has recently re-published this work as a part of their curriculum series, and asked me to write the introduction. It is required reading for all of our officers in the RPCGA.
January 27, 2023
This book is deceiving in three lovely ways:
1) This book is not a presentation of secular history, as if the "apostolic church" was a construction primarily the property of some historian's examination of all other texts besides the primary source. Although this meaning to "Apostolic Church" is applied by most modern people, Witherow rightly identifies the apostolic church with the church recognizable in the only book which directly shows its principles and actions upon those principles: the Word of God. The question of the "Apostolic church" is only the jurisdiction of the New Testament to decide, not secular historians.
2) Yes, this book soundly and simply deliberates on the question of church government, placing down 6 different principles which Scriptures infallibly follows in church government, carefully but quickly exegeting the passages which are pertinent. Yet, not only does it do this, this book also does two other things. First, it sets up the context for why this inquiry, as well as ANY inquiry in Scripture which does not touch upon "the centrality of the gospel" is important - it is important because God saw fit to say it was important. If it is declared clearly in God's Word, it is so much gold for us. And, second, he pastorally applies and clears the way for zeal in God's truth where once it waned by public opinion. This book is sorely needed on all three of these accounts, and was an incredible encouragement to me, partially because...
3) This book was no disconnected, unconcerned, unaffected, detached academic paper as our modern days. No, lifeblood boiled through his arguments. Although his arguments were the opposite of the use of subjective opinion on a question of fancy, he did not hide any of his love for truth, wherever it might be. How enjoyable this book was for me!
I heartily encourage every person who does not understand the Presbyterian system and mind, not just government, to read this book. I say this especially for Reformed Baptists. I also heartily encourage every Presbyterian to read this book, as it's underlying tone is love, love of Scripture, love of God, and love of His church, which he has not neglected to rightly constitute from His Word.
Some golden quotes from the book:
"If all the other truths of revelation [besides Salvation] are unimportant, because they happen to be non-essentials, it follows that the Word of God itself is in the main unimportant; for by far the greatest portion of it is occupied with matters, the knowledge of which, in the case supposed, is not absolutely indispensable to the everlasting happiness of man.... Let a man once persuade himself that importance attaches only to what he is pleased to call essentials, whatever their number, and he will, no doubt... practically set aside all except a very small part of the Scriptures. ... Revelation is ALL gold for preciousness and purity, but the very TOUCH of such a principle would transmute the most of it into dross." (p.6)
"Let him not fear to be called a 'bigot,' for what is a bigot but the bad name which the world gives a man who ventures to have principles, and is firm enough to show through life a consistent attachment to them?" (p.100)
1) This book is not a presentation of secular history, as if the "apostolic church" was a construction primarily the property of some historian's examination of all other texts besides the primary source. Although this meaning to "Apostolic Church" is applied by most modern people, Witherow rightly identifies the apostolic church with the church recognizable in the only book which directly shows its principles and actions upon those principles: the Word of God. The question of the "Apostolic church" is only the jurisdiction of the New Testament to decide, not secular historians.
2) Yes, this book soundly and simply deliberates on the question of church government, placing down 6 different principles which Scriptures infallibly follows in church government, carefully but quickly exegeting the passages which are pertinent. Yet, not only does it do this, this book also does two other things. First, it sets up the context for why this inquiry, as well as ANY inquiry in Scripture which does not touch upon "the centrality of the gospel" is important - it is important because God saw fit to say it was important. If it is declared clearly in God's Word, it is so much gold for us. And, second, he pastorally applies and clears the way for zeal in God's truth where once it waned by public opinion. This book is sorely needed on all three of these accounts, and was an incredible encouragement to me, partially because...
3) This book was no disconnected, unconcerned, unaffected, detached academic paper as our modern days. No, lifeblood boiled through his arguments. Although his arguments were the opposite of the use of subjective opinion on a question of fancy, he did not hide any of his love for truth, wherever it might be. How enjoyable this book was for me!
I heartily encourage every person who does not understand the Presbyterian system and mind, not just government, to read this book. I say this especially for Reformed Baptists. I also heartily encourage every Presbyterian to read this book, as it's underlying tone is love, love of Scripture, love of God, and love of His church, which he has not neglected to rightly constitute from His Word.
Some golden quotes from the book:
"If all the other truths of revelation [besides Salvation] are unimportant, because they happen to be non-essentials, it follows that the Word of God itself is in the main unimportant; for by far the greatest portion of it is occupied with matters, the knowledge of which, in the case supposed, is not absolutely indispensable to the everlasting happiness of man.... Let a man once persuade himself that importance attaches only to what he is pleased to call essentials, whatever their number, and he will, no doubt... practically set aside all except a very small part of the Scriptures. ... Revelation is ALL gold for preciousness and purity, but the very TOUCH of such a principle would transmute the most of it into dross." (p.6)
"Let him not fear to be called a 'bigot,' for what is a bigot but the bad name which the world gives a man who ventures to have principles, and is firm enough to show through life a consistent attachment to them?" (p.100)
March 22, 2023
"As large books are often written but seldom read, I thought it better to go directly to the root of the matter, present you with a Scriptural view of the subject, and enable you to judge for yourselves." Coming in at just under 2.5 hours of reading, the author does well to accomplish what he intended. Witherow presents a fantastic and uncomplicated defense of Presbyterianism while showing where Prelacy and Independency fall short of Scripture. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to understand: does God's word speak to the structure of church government, and does my church confirm?
An overview:
Witherow begins with whether or not we should pay any attention to or put any effort into these so called non-essentials of ecclesiology:
"In shipbuilding, the screws and bolts that gird the ship together are insignificant, as compared with the beams of oak and masts of pine, but they contribute their full share to the safety of the vessel and the security of the passengers. So in the Christian system, every fact, great or small, that God has been pleased to insert in the Bible is, by its very position, invested with importance, answers its end, and, though perhaps justly considered as non-essential to salvation, does not deserve to be accounted as worthless."
"Most people are content to let their ancestors choose a church [denomination] for them, and every Sabbath walk to Divine worship in the footsteps of their great-grandfathers—they know not why, and care not wherefor."
Witherow then dives into 6 Principles that were operating within the Apostolic Church and whether or not Prelacy, Independents, or Presbyterians uphold these principles.
1. The office-bearers were chosen by the people
2. The offices of Bishop and Elder were identical
3. In each church there was a plurality of elders
4. Ordination was the act of the Presbytery—that is, of a plurality of elders
5. There was the privilege of appeal to the Assembly of elders; and the power of government was exercised by them and their associate capacity
6. The only Head of the Church was the Lord Jesus Christ
Finally, Witherow gets into some practical applications of instructing Christians in the model of the Apostolic Church. "The aim of all of us should be to make every man who is a Presbyterian by name a Presbyterian by conviction."
An overview:
Witherow begins with whether or not we should pay any attention to or put any effort into these so called non-essentials of ecclesiology:
"In shipbuilding, the screws and bolts that gird the ship together are insignificant, as compared with the beams of oak and masts of pine, but they contribute their full share to the safety of the vessel and the security of the passengers. So in the Christian system, every fact, great or small, that God has been pleased to insert in the Bible is, by its very position, invested with importance, answers its end, and, though perhaps justly considered as non-essential to salvation, does not deserve to be accounted as worthless."
"Most people are content to let their ancestors choose a church [denomination] for them, and every Sabbath walk to Divine worship in the footsteps of their great-grandfathers—they know not why, and care not wherefor."
Witherow then dives into 6 Principles that were operating within the Apostolic Church and whether or not Prelacy, Independents, or Presbyterians uphold these principles.
1. The office-bearers were chosen by the people
2. The offices of Bishop and Elder were identical
3. In each church there was a plurality of elders
4. Ordination was the act of the Presbytery—that is, of a plurality of elders
5. There was the privilege of appeal to the Assembly of elders; and the power of government was exercised by them and their associate capacity
6. The only Head of the Church was the Lord Jesus Christ
Finally, Witherow gets into some practical applications of instructing Christians in the model of the Apostolic Church. "The aim of all of us should be to make every man who is a Presbyterian by name a Presbyterian by conviction."
April 27, 2023
Thomas Witherow tire des Écritures 6 principes de gouvernance ecclésiastique :
1) Les officiers de l’Église sont élus.
2) Les fonctions d’évêque et d’ancien sont identiques.
3) Il doit y avoir une pluralité d’anciens dans chaque Église.
4) L’ordination est l’acte du presbytère ou d’une pluralité d’anciens.
5) Il existe une possibilité de faire appel à une assemblée d’anciens en dehors de la congrégation locale, et ceux-ci ont un pouvoir sur le gouvernement de l’Église à titre de dirigeants associés.
6) Le Seigneur Jésus-Christ est le seul chef de l’Église.
Il examine à la lumière de ces principes les divers modes de gouvernance de son temps. Il distingue ce qui est principe scripturaire et ce qui est du bon sens naturel dans la gouvernance. Bref et convaincant. Hâte de lire Bannerman The Church of Christ pour compléter.
1) Les officiers de l’Église sont élus.
2) Les fonctions d’évêque et d’ancien sont identiques.
3) Il doit y avoir une pluralité d’anciens dans chaque Église.
4) L’ordination est l’acte du presbytère ou d’une pluralité d’anciens.
5) Il existe une possibilité de faire appel à une assemblée d’anciens en dehors de la congrégation locale, et ceux-ci ont un pouvoir sur le gouvernement de l’Église à titre de dirigeants associés.
6) Le Seigneur Jésus-Christ est le seul chef de l’Église.
Il examine à la lumière de ces principes les divers modes de gouvernance de son temps. Il distingue ce qui est principe scripturaire et ce qui est du bon sens naturel dans la gouvernance. Bref et convaincant. Hâte de lire Bannerman The Church of Christ pour compléter.
December 7, 2024
A simple, straightforward defense of Presbyterianism. Witherow lays out principles of church government found in Scripture. He the proceeds to examine whether prelacy, independency, or Presbyterianism best fits the model found in Scripture. He find prelacy to be anti-Scriptual and independency to be better, but insufficient. The careful exegesis along the way is well worth the price of admission. In the end, he concludes: It is possible for a man to be a Christian and not a Presbyterian. It is possible for a man to be a Presbyterian and not a Christian. But make no mistake: it is best to be both.
January 10, 2026
Witherow embarks on a fresh reading of the New Testament scripture to identify the principles of church government that shaped the Apostolic Church and anticipate the traditional Presbyterian model, insisting that church polity, though not essential to salvation, cannot be undervalued, "else it would not find a place in the good Word of God."
November 1, 2024
Classic and concise overview of 19 century Presbyterian (Irish) polity with comparison to other ecclesiastical models. Sticks to main principles and asks the principle question; which ecclesiology is evidenced in the testimony of scripture?
November 25, 2019
Read it!
July 18, 2021
Good book on the foundations of Presbyterianism and how it is Biblical in church structure.
November 19, 2021
Really great. Ready for Intro to Reformed Theology with Dr. Pipa.
January 18, 2025
By far the most helpful book I’ve read on a Presbyterian polity. Very easy read
December 19, 2020
A great, little, substantive book on the primacy of the Presbyterian church as the nearest reflection to the Apostolic example. A necessary plea and charge to Presbyterian ministers to no longer shun the whole counsel of God. I commend it to all.
March 25, 2022
A great defence of presbyterian church government. No added pontification or speculation. Just scripture. It has given me a lot to think about as I continue my career in ministry.
Second time through, much better than the first. Witherow makes a case for church government from the Scriptures that's hard to argue with. Independency and prelacy doesn't really meet the test. This flies in the face of Western individualism but we need more connectional churches, equal submission among leaders, and way less CEO type leaders in the church moving forward. I don't care if you become full blown presbyterian or not, but something in church government needs to change.
Second time through, much better than the first. Witherow makes a case for church government from the Scriptures that's hard to argue with. Independency and prelacy doesn't really meet the test. This flies in the face of Western individualism but we need more connectional churches, equal submission among leaders, and way less CEO type leaders in the church moving forward. I don't care if you become full blown presbyterian or not, but something in church government needs to change.
February 5, 2015
A lot of people like to throw around the title of being Presbyterian without realizing what it actually means to be one. Many think that merely baptizing infants makes one a Presbyterian. That could not be further from the truth. At best, the term of paedobaptist applies to many who wish to call themselves Presbyterian. Ecclesiology is as important in being Presbyterian as understanding infant baptism. Witherow clearly explains the various forms of church government prevalent today and shows from the Scriptures why a Presbyterian form of church government is most biblical. This is a very worthwhile book to read for anyone interested in biblical church government.
November 12, 2020
Easy to follow and direct defence of the Presbyterian form of Government by laying down 6 principles from the Apostolic Church
1. The office-bearers were chosen by the people.
2. The office of bishop and elder was identical.
3. There was a plurality of elders in each Church.
4. Ordination was the act of a presbytery—that is, of a plurality of elders.
5. There was the privilege of appeal to the assembly of elders; and the power of government was exercised by them in their associate capacity.
6. The only Head of the Church was the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. The office-bearers were chosen by the people.
2. The office of bishop and elder was identical.
3. There was a plurality of elders in each Church.
4. Ordination was the act of a presbytery—that is, of a plurality of elders.
5. There was the privilege of appeal to the assembly of elders; and the power of government was exercised by them in their associate capacity.
6. The only Head of the Church was the Lord Jesus Christ.
April 13, 2009
Quite good. Also read in April of 1990.
April 12, 2010
A great introduction to the subject of church polity. Witherow's style is plain and direct. A good conversation starter.
March 12, 2015
Witherow offers a very simple and very good overview of the Biblical basis for Presbyterian church government. I'm convinced!
November 5, 2015
Great book for Presbyterians and non Presbyterians alike. Highly recommend.
January 10, 2016
I read this for church officer training. It was good. Perhaps not the quintessential defense of presbyterian church government, but a good brief defense of it.
January 18, 2019
Presbiterianismo!
April 27, 2023
Lu en anglais. J'espère que la traduction est de qualité parce que ce livre mérite diffusion.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews